Indian Prime Minister Modi demonstrated the importance of the visit by breaking protocol to receive Obama at the airport with a big hug.

Their talks will primarily focus on trade, but also take in security, nuclear power and climate change.

After his arrival, the U.S. president travelled to the presidential palace for an official welcoming ceremony with his Indian counterpart, Pranab Mukherjee.

Obama placed a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial ahead of talks with Modi and later, a state dinner.

On Monday, in addition to attending India’s Republic Day celebration, the U.S. president will speak at a CEO forum bringing together American and Indian business leaders.

Obama canceled a planned trip to the Taj Mahal to travel to Saudi Arabia on January 27, and will cap his New Delhi visit with a speech earlier Tuesday laying out his vision for the future of U.S.-India relations.